Wallabies too young to win World Cup, says David Campese

September 8th, 2011

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Press Gang

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans’ youth policy has been slammed by David Campese. Photo: Getty Images

A sceptical David Campese has put the boot into the Wallabies’ World Cup chances, arguing they don’t have the same traits of previous winners and questioning the describing the ARU’s decision to re-sign Robbie Deans for another two years. Appearing as a columnist for The Times, the legendary winger named five real contenders – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England – but said no team could win the tournament without experience and a dependable goalkicker.

“The World Cup is not about a team of 22-23-year old stars,” Campese writes. “It is about experienced players who, when the pressure is on, the youngsters turn to and they guide them through. England have a few old hands, but a lot of young guys with raw talent. You won’t win a World Cup with raw talent alone. You have to have a core of vastly experienced 28-30-year-olds. That is when you have a team. Look at South Africa in 2007, the Wallabies in 1991, South Africa in 1995, England in 2003. Players who have been around but are at their peak. It’s a mental tournament, not just the physical. No one can get any fitter.

”Goalkicking will hold the key. England have Jonny Wilkinson, the All Blacks Dan Carter, South Africa Morne Steyn. Australia don’t have anyone of that class or consistency. They have three goalkickers who can blow hot and cold and who can miss under pressure.”

And Campese doesn’t hold back when it comes to identifying who is to blame for what he perceives as a green Wallabies side.

“Phil Waugh and Matt Giteau have gone. Rocky Elsom is not captain. Australia have some very good individual players, but you have to play as a team. That has been their downfall in the past. Getting rid of experience going into a World Cup is not a great thing, but Robbie Deans is the coach and you live by the sword and you die by the sword. The scary thing is we have signed him for another two years.”

As if to make matters worse for Wallabies fans, Campo believes the hosts will repeat their 1987 success.

“And as for a winner – it has to be New Zealand,” he concludes.

But not so fast, says well-regarded Telegraph scribe Mick Cleary. “The other southern hemisphere super power, Australia, have found form at just the right moment,” Cleary writes, swayed by Australia’s excellent conclusion to the Tri Nations. “Their 25-20 victory over New Zealand was no fluke. It was the reward for hard-nosed, fesity graft up front with a touch of devil and opportunism behind. The Wallabies’ back line is the most potent in the tournament. It is hard to go against New Zealand, but that is what we must do. England to reach the semi-finals but Australia to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup.”

The Guardian’s Robert Kitson isn’t quite so bold about Australia, but he echoes the general pessimism of the British press about Northern Hemisphere claims. “I foresee a final between the fast-rising Wallabies and a grim-faced New Zealand, with Henry’s team narrowly managing to deny the exceptional David Pocock and Will Genia.”

Quote of the day: “People should advance on the haka. It adds to the drama. I would prefer to see them up in each other’s faces. Maori will respect you more if you come back with something. Someone might take a swipe but I’ve seen that at a welcoming ceremony.” Wellington haka tutor Lisa Reweti delivers music to the ears of the Telegraph’s Mark Reason and every rugby fan who remembers Norm Hewitt and Richard Cockerill.

Insight of the day: The Daily Mail is turning out to a treasure trove of amusing titbits, courtesy of Luke Benedict’s “Daily Maul”. Here’s one for the front-row club. “Receiving All Blacks-branded cups on their Air New Zealand flight Martin Johnson was fittingly handed second row Sam Whitelock. [England scrum coach] Graham Rowntree was less impressed when he was offered flashy Sonny Bill Williams. The former politely requested Owen Franks instead.”